Adams returns from the bar, "I demand some respect, do you know I feature on the Australian $10 bill?"

A striking resemblance indeed. On closer inspection, we realise the unfortunate figurehead not only looks like Adam (poor thing), but is indeed a women!! Mary Gilmour.

Back to Sydney - 28th - 29th March

We said our goodbyes to Kirsten and Jules in Cairns and headed back to Sydney, picking up our original planned route, clockwise around Oz. Enjoyed chilling out in Sydney for a couple more days, visiting the botanical gardens, the rocks, the barracks museum (no Filby's listed within the convict records, 8 Curtis's, most impressive crime committed was highway robbery), and my old haunt of Dee Why. Met up with Richard for a last beer at the oldest pub in Sydney, The Fortune of War.

Above: Botanical Gardens, Sydney

Above: Fruit bats, Botanical Gardens, eekkkk, how to ruin a relaxing walk in the park.

Above: Dee Why Beach, where I lived in Sydney 15 years ago. My old flat had been demolished, but the beach is still pretty nice, even on a grey day.

Sydney to Melbourne - 30th March - 2nd April

Enjoyed a lovely few days in Melbourne, taking in the city sights, enjoying the vast array of grub on offer and catching an ozzie rules football game. Met up with a work friend, Kevin, who took us to a lovely area of the city, Brighton, where we had a fabulous lunch overlooking the sea. Kevin also advised us to go to the footy, which we did, sporting his team's colours. Didn't take us long to get into the spirit of it, even got the hang of when to shout "BALL".

Above: Melbourne city scape

Above: Watching Carlton Blues vs Richmond Tigers at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Fantastic, fast-paced entertainment.

Above: Bike ride along the Yarra River. Why do I never get the cool bike?

Melbourne to Perth - 2nd - 7th April

Headed to Perth, where we were collected by Adam's friend, Tim, and rejoined Kirsten, who had been relaxing at a luxury retreat for several days. Tim took us on a tour around the city and the following day to Freemantle and Cottlestoe Beach.

After the arrival of my friend Denise, we headed to Rottnest Island for the day. This beautiful island is an hour from Perth by ferry, is toured by most visitors by bike, and features a series of gorgeous sandy bays. There is some interesting wildlife on the island, including the native Quokka (mini kangaroo).

Enjoyed a great night out, where we rubbed shoulders with the weird and wonderful of Perth at Black Bettys nightclub (apparently a former strip joint). After Den's flying visit (she went on to visit her brother Tasmania) we spent our final day in Perth, enjoying a proper Ozzie bar-b-q.

Above: Adam with friend Tim at Kings Park, overlooking Perth City. Tim moved with his family to Perth two years ago.

Above: Cottlestoe Beach, on the outskirts of Perth

Above: Lovely friend Denise arrives in Perth. Following her 24 hour journey, we are in the pub within 2 hours of her arrival in Oz. What a star! Den currently lives in Dubai and we had not seen each other for over a year - another fabulous backlog of gossip to catch up on.

Cycling around Rottnest Island, above Longreach Bay

Above: Kirsten, unable to resist the local wildlife, befriends a little Quokka. So cute.

Above: Good Friday, Jay and Leah at Tim and Lyn's home in Perth. By the end of the afternoon this pool was a scene of full-on aqua warfare. I sampled one of everything on offer during the day, including burgers, prawns, lamb, chicken and fish, all washed down with some ice cold beers and lovely red wine. What a great day! Filby was a drunken disgrace and after loudly passing wind in front of Lyn's Mum, I decided it was time for us to go home.